Lockdown Lifted At Brownsville Middle School

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A precautionary lockdown of Brownsville Middle School put in place as police searched for a possible gunman has been lifted.

Early Monday morning, police received reports that gunfire was heard in an apartment complex next to the school at 4899 NW 24th Avenue.

Police officers manned the gates of the school and helped arriving students get inside.

“I heard about 10 shots,” said Andre Cody.

“It’s like in a war zone,” said a third student.

Officers in the area reported hearing shots and they were picked up on the department’s ‘shot spotter’ system.

“Shots just rang off, I can’t tell you how much but it was like rapid fire,” said another student, “Like a big gun, nothing small,” said Ray Gordon.

Gordon who rushed over worried it could be someone he knew was hurt, ran into a crush of concerned parents.

“They were standing on the corner and also didn’t want to leave because they didn’t know what was going on,” he said.

Meanwhile, officers fanned out across the grounds of the adjacent apartment complex looking for a possible gunman, shell casings, shattered glass, or anything that would give them a clue as to what had happened.

Just before 10 a.m., the lockdown was lifted.

Lockdown of Brownsville Middle has been lifted after shots fired in the area. All at the school are safe. Thank you @MDSPD and other responding agencies for your swift response to ensure the safety of our kids. Shame on those whose irresponsible actions continue to threaten all.

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho also tweeted that “Today’s lockdown of @brownsvillems due to shots fired at a nearby apartment complex underscores the immense value that trained law enforcement officers bring to our schools. These are the only men and women who should be armed at our schools..”